Marco Antonio Figueroa announced this Saturday the Communications call-up for the second leg of the quarterfinals against Antigua GFC, and the name of José Manuel Contreras was once again left off the list.
The midfielder, who announced his retirement from professional football only on Friday, May 1, was not included by coach Figueroa in what could be one of the cream team’s last games in Clausura 2026, depending on the result against the colonials this Saturday at the Cementos Progreso Stadium.
The absence of Contreras is not new in Figueroa’s calls. The midfielder was also not present in the first leg against Antigua nor in the last two calls of the regular phase against Malacateco and Guastatoya. The last time Moyo was called up was in the Clásico against Municipal, a match in which he entered and played 23 minutes, in what could have been his last appearance with the cream shirt if the team does not advance in the Clausura 2026 league.
Coach Figueroa’s decision generated controversy among the Communications fans, especially after Contreras’ emotional retirement announcement on Friday. After learning of the call, the Alba fans questioned the coach’s determination not to include the historic midfielder in such an important match, considering that it could be one of the last opportunities to see him defend the colors of the club he calls his home.
With the result of the first leg at 3-2 in favor of Antigua, Comunicaciones needs to tie the series at Cementos Progreso to advance to the semifinals. A result that, if it occurs, could open the door for Contreras to have more minutes in the remainder of Clausura 2026 before his official farewell to professional football at the end of the tournament.